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Empathy and compassion: Difference between revisions
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at least give it a go — and generally be slow, rather than fast to react, considerate of all positions and constituencies rather than impulsive. Unless there is a fight breaking out, best not to act on blind instinct. | at least give it a go — and generally be slow, rather than fast to react, considerate of all positions and constituencies rather than impulsive. Unless there is a fight breaking out, best not to act on blind instinct. | ||
Being ''instinctively'' empathetic is not necessarily “kind”, nor fair, equitable or just. Empathy comes from the monkey brain. It doesn’t take time to reflect on whom one should empathise: it just does it, favouring kin, familiarity, tribe and self-identity. | Being ''instinctively'' empathetic is not necessarily “kind”, nor fair, equitable or just. Empathy comes from the monkey brain. It doesn’t take time to reflect on with whom one should empathise: it just does it, favouring kin, familiarity, tribe and self-identity. | ||
Empathetic responses reinforce our own values and existing worldview. It shoots without asking questions. | Empathetic responses reinforce our own values and existing worldview. It shoots without asking questions. | ||
===Empathy is divisive. Compassion is unifying.=== | ===Empathy is divisive. Compassion is unifying.=== | ||
To be empathetic is to walk a mile in someone else’s moccasins; to live her [[lived experience]]; to see the world from her [[standpoint]]. It seeks no emotional distance: It ''takes sides''. This is something to value in your own mum | To be empathetic is to walk a mile in someone else’s moccasins; to live her [[lived experience]]; to see the world from her [[standpoint]]. It seeks no emotional distance: It ''takes sides''. This is something to value in your own mum, and the family dog — not in a community leader. | ||
Leaders must be independent, strive to avoid having personal interests influencing their decisions, and should recuse themselves when they do. | Leaders must be independent, strive to avoid having personal interests influencing their decisions, and should recuse themselves when they do. | ||